• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.47-54
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• 2009

Purpose: Present evidences suggest that Ureaplasma urealyticum is a cause of pneumonia, septicemia, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in newborn infants, particularly those born prematurely. The purpose of this work was to examine the relationship between Ureaplasma urealyticum in the tracheal aspirates and adverse outcomes, such as BPD and early onset neonatal sepsis in premature infants. Methods: A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on tracheal aspirates collected within 24 hour after birth in 176 premature infants less than 35 weeks of gestation and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Bundang CHA Hospital. Results: U. urealyticum was detected in 37 of 176 preterm infants (21.0%). Gestational age ($29^{+5}{\pm}2^{+5}$ wk vs. $30^{+6}{\pm}2^+{-5}$ wk, P=0.0l3) and birth weight (1.39${\pm}$0.44 kg vs. 1.59${\pm}$0.55 kg, P=0.037) were lower in the U urealyticum-positive group compared to the control group. The incidence of early onset neonatal sepsis (16.2% vs. 6.5%, P=0.045) and BPD (45.9% vs. 29.5%, P=0.047) was higher in the U urealyticum-positive group compared to the control group, but the severity of BPD was not different between two groups. However, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of U. urealyticum was not independently related to the development of early onset neonatal sepsis and BPD. Conclusion: The results suggest that colonization of the lower respiratory tract by U. urealyticum might not be related to the development of neonatal sepsis and BPD directly in preterm infants.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.700-712
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• 1996

Transpulmonary sequestration of leukocyte following cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) has been recognized as one of main causes of postoperative pulmonary dysfunction. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a single dose of prebypass corticosteroid on pulmonary leukostasis and postoperative pulmonary dysfunction. The study was performed prospectively in randomized-blind fas ion for 50 patients from January 1995 to June 1995. All patients were divided into two groups; In the steroid group(n=25), corticosteroid(Solu-Medrol 30mg1kg) was injected prior to CPB and in the placebo group (n=25), normal saline was injected before CPB. The results were summarized as follows. 1. Total peripheral leukocyte counts decreased significantly at 5 minutes of CPB in all patients(P<0.01), and began to increase progressively at later periods of CPB with neutrophilia. The significant rise remained at postoperative 7th day. 2. During partial CPB, transpulmonary leukostasis occurred in placebo group(P< 0.001), whereas it was prevented in steroid group. 3. In both groups, peripheral Lymphocyte counts were stable during CPB, but began to reduce at time of intensive care unit(ICV) and the Iymphocytopenia remained until postoperative )rd day. The Iympho- cyte counts recovered on postoperative 7th day. 4. In both groups, peripheral counts of monocyte were relatively stable in the e rly peroid of CPB, and increased gradually in the later periods of CPB. This significant monocytosis remained throughout postoperative periods(P< 0.05). 5. The mean value of postoperative PaOa was lower than that of pre-CPB In placebo group(P=0.01), but in steroid group, there was no significant difference(P=0. 90) and fever was higher in placebo group compared to steroid group(P=0.001).

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.8 s.265
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• pp.604-610
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• 2006

Background: Recent improvements in interventional procedure and medical therapy for congestive heart failure result in an increase of number of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy considered for coronary artery bypass grafting. We retrospectively review the results of CABG in these patients with decreased LV function to know the early and mid-term follow-up results. Material and Method: Between January 2001 and June 2005, 1,143 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and 144 of these patients had preoperative left ventricular function of equal to or less than 35% ${(LVEF{\leq}\;35%)}$. There were off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) in 66 cases (45.8%), on-pump beating heart coronary artery bypass grafting in 34 cases (23.6%) and conventional coronary artery bypass grafting in 44 cases (30.6%). The combined operations including mitral annuloplasty were 48 cases in thirty five patients (24.3%). Result: The mean number of dstal anastomosis were $3.5{\pm}1.3$. The median postoperative duration of stay in intensive care unit and hospital was 2 days and 8 days, respectively. There were 6 early death (4.2%) and causes of deaths were ventricular tachycardia in 5 patients, small bowel infarction in one patient. Mean follow-up time was $21{\pm}14$ months $(4{\sim}54\;months)$. The 1-year was $95{\pm}2%$ and 3-year survival rate was $83{\pm}7%$, the 1-year and 3-year cardiac event-free survival were ${88{\pm}3%\;and\;69{\pm}7%}$, respectively. Conclusion: Based on satisfactory early and mid-term results in our study, CABG should be carried out as actively as possible in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Postoperative aggressive management for ventricular arrhythmia would be helpful for better results.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.14-21
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• 2009

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Although postoperative AF is regarded as benign, transient and self-limited, it has been associated with increased morbidity, thromboembolic events and an increased duration and cost of hospitalization. Material and Method: From January 1994 to December 2007, 190 patients that had isolated CABG surgery were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n=139) involved those who had postoperative atrial fibrillation, and group 2 (n=51) did not have any such events. We reviewed the medical records retrospectively including the incidence of postoperative AF, patient characteristics, surgery related factors and the outcome of the patients with postoperative AF. Result: The frequency of postoperative AF was 26.8%, the conversion rate to regular sinus rhythm before discharge was 82.4%; 82.4% of the AF developed within the first three postoperative days. Although the postoperative AF group was significantly older and had a prolonged postoperative Intensive care unit (ICU) stay, there was no difference in the aortic crossclamp time or duration of hospitalization. No spontaneous defibrillation at declamping, and longer duration of cardiopulmonary bypass were significantly related to the development of postoperative AF. However, postoperative treatment with a beta blocker was associated with a decreased incidence of postoperative AF. The multivariate analysis showed that age and ICU stay were significantly associated with the development of POAF. Spontaneous defibrillation and postoperative beta blocker treatment were significantly associated with a decreased frequency of POAF. Conclusion: AF after CABG surgery is a common complication associated with increased morbidity and a longer ICU stay. Therefore, various strategies aimed at reducing AF, and its complications, such as postoperative treatment with a beta blocker should be considered.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.591-597
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• 2008

Background: Pulmonary endarterectomy is widely accepted as a treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Based on our experiences, we sought to find ways to reduce perioperative complications and to improve surgical outcomes in patients undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy. Material and Method: This study was designed as a retrospective analysis of 20 patients with pulmonary hypertension who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy between January 1998 and March 2008. All patients presented with chronic dyspnea. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was the major cause of chronic pulmonary thromboembolism (55%). Seventeen patients (85%) underwent inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement. Thirteen patients underwent surgery under total circulatory arrest, while the others underwent surgery while on low flow cardiopulmonary bypass. Concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty was done in 6 patients (66%) whose tricuspid regurgitation was as severe as grade IV/IV. The mean follow-up duration was $45{\pm}32$ months. Result: Using of University of California, San Diego (UCSD), thromboembolism classification, 4 patients (20%) were type 1, 8 patients (40%) were type II, and 8 patients (40%) were type III. Right ventricular systolic pressure was reduced significantly from $77{\pm}29$ mmHg to $37{\pm}19$ mmHg after pulmonary endarterectomy (p<0.001). The degree of tricuspid regurgitation and the NYHA functional class were all improved postoperatively. Reperfusion edema occurred in 7 cases (35%). The incidence of reperfusion edema was higher in the UCSD type III group than in the other group (25% vs 50%, p=0.25) and the length of postoperative intensive care unit stay was longer in type III group ($5{\pm}2$ days vs $9{\pm}7$ days, p=0.07). The early mortality rate was 10%, and the late mortality rate was 15% (n=3); one death was due to progression of underlying non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and the other deaths were related to recurrent thromboembolism and persistent pulmonary hypertension, respectively. Conclusion: Pulmonary endarterectomy, as a curative surgical method for treating chronic thromboernbolic pulmonary hypertension, should be performed aggressively in patients diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and an effort should be made to reduce the frequency of perioperative complications and to improve surgical outcomes.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2004

Objectives: Delirium after head trauma results in various cognitive and behavioral dysfunction. This study aimed at developing and validating a predicitive model for clinical improvement after delirium based on precipitating factors during hospitalization Method: Data were collected on 45 patients who developed delirium after head trauma using 5 year retrospective design, based on reviews of medical charts including psychiatric consultation reports. The differences of the group who sustained residual symptoms of delirium(The RS group) and the group of full recovery(The FR group) at 4 week follow-up visits were compared by motoric type of delirium, socio-demographic variables, neuroimaging variables and clinical variables of interest. Result: There was significant difference in reason for initial consultation between two groups, in terms of hyperactivity(p<.01). The presence of compensation claim, subcortical gray matter lesion was significantly associated with the RS group(p<.05). Total length of intensive care unit(ICU) admission and of hospital stay were significantly longer in RS group than FR group(p<.01). Conclusion: This study shows that hyperactivity on initial consultation, compensation claims, specific brain lesion were altogether significant factors in explaining prolonged duration of delirium after head trauma. A simple predictive model based on the presence of precipitating factors might be used to identify delirious patients at high risk for prolonged cognitive dysfunction. Early psychiatric intervention would be required for evaluating efficacious management and shortening admission period.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.9
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• pp.946-952
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• 2005

Purpose : Vancomycin-resistant enterococci(VRE) are now nosocomial pathogens in Korea. But little is known about the prevalence of stool colonization with VRE in neonates in Korea. So we studied the prevalence and risk factors of VRE colonization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(NICU). Methods : From January 2000 to December 2004, the medical records of 294 neonates(127 cases of VRE group and 167 cases of non-VRE group, according to the results of stool culture) were reviewed retrospectively. We studied the annual prevalence of VRE and risk factors of VRE colonization in neonates. Results : From 2000 to 2003, the prevalence rate of VRE in NICU increased. After preventing VRE transmission, the prevalence rate of VRE has decreased. Conclusion : VRE colonization increased recently. Risk factors of VRE colonization were prematurity, lower birth weight, longer hospitalization and use of vancomycin or 3rd generation cephalosporin, compared with the non-VRE group. To prevent VRE transmission among newborns, aggressive infection control strategies by NICU staffs must be implemented immediately for all babies.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.7
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• pp.711-715
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• 2005

Purpose : With the recent improved survival of extremely low birth weight infants(ELBWI), enteral feeding has become a major issue. This study investigates the effects of early enteral feeding in ELBWI on their morbidity, duration of hospitalization, and mortality. Methods : ELBWI admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Samsung Medical Center from November 1994 to April 2004 who survived more than 14 days were enrolled. ELBWI were divided into two groups : an early feeding group(EF), in which enteral feeding was started within 3 days after birth; and a late feeding group(LF), in which enteral feeding was started beyond 3 days after birth. 80 ELBWI came under EF, and 131 ELBWI under LF. Results : Birth weight and gestational age did not differ between the two groups. In EF, the time to achieve full enteral feeding and the duration of parenteral nutrition were significantly shorter than in LF. The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was significantly lower in EF, but the incidences of sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and cholestasis were not different between the two groups. There was no difference in the survival rate between the two groups, but the duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter in EF. Conclusion : Early enteral feeding in ELBWI did not increase the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis, but rather decreased the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and shortened the duration of hospitalization.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.599-605
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• 2005

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the causes, clinical courses and outcomes in children with acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS), and evaluate the physiologic variables as prognostic factors in the patients. Methods : Retrograde medical chart review was carried out in 24 patients who were diagnosed with ARDS at the pediatric intensive care unit(PICU) during 20-month period. Results : The incidence of ARDS among all PICU admission was 3.7 percent and the mortality rate was 37.5 percent, which was 14.8 percent of overall deaths in PICU. The most common causes of ARDS were pneumonia and sepsis. We found significant differences between survivors and nonsurvivors in $PaO_2/FiO_2$ ratio(P/F ratio), alveolar arterial oxygen gradient and oxygenation index(OI) on the second day from the onset of ARDS. Therapies for ARDS such as high frequency oscillator ventilation(HFOV), recruitment maneuver and low dose corticosteroid improved the P/F ratio and OI, especially in survivors. Conclusion : The mortality rate of children with ARDS was 37.5 percent; an important cause of death in PICU. HFOV, recruitment maneuver and low dose corticosteroid seemed to be effective in pediatric ARDS. The P/F ratio, alveolar arterial oxygen gradient and OI on the second day from the onset of ARDS may be useful as prognostic factors.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.9
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• pp.939-945
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• 2005

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to report outcome of fetal infants with birth weight below 500 g known as lower limit of viability and to evaluate treatment characteristics and short-term morbidity of their survivors. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all fetal infants with birth weight below 500 g who were delivered at Samsung Medical Center(SMC), or transferred to neonatal intensive care unit(NICU) of SMC within 24 hrs after birth between 1994 and 2004. Data for all interventions and morbidity outcome were analyzed for infants who were admitted to the NICU and were compared between NICU survivors and deaths. Results : Among 53 infants with birth weights of 400 to 499 g who were born in SMC during the study period, 8(15.1%) infants were admitted to the NICU and one was transferred to NICU from other hospital. Overall, 4(44%) of 9 survived and were discharged from the NICU. The smallest infant who survived weighed 439 grams. The least gestational age was $23^{+3}$ among the survivors. Compared with NICU deaths, NICU survivors had larger gestational age($24^{+2}{\pm}1^{+3}$ vs. $25^{+4}{\pm}2^{+3}$) and birth weight($424{\pm}17$ vs. $453{\pm}19$)(P<0.05). Median survival duration of NICU deaths was 15 days. None of NICU survivors had severe IVH, but 3(75%) had laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, respectively. Conclusion : Fetal infants with birth weight below 500 g known as lower limit of viability survived successfully. Study for their long-term follow-up will be needed to define our limit of viability and indication for their active resuscitation.